Editor's Note: Prior ordinances which included water
regulations are the 1984 Code, Chapter 185 and Ord. No. 690.
[Ord. No. 727 § 1; Ord. No. 13-1381 § 9]
As used in this chapter:
Shall mean any duly authorized representative of the owner.
Shall mean all pipes other than service connections conveying
water to or distributing water from the Borough of Milltown water
supply.
Shall mean any person, persons, corporation, partnership
or association, or anyone other than the owner thereof occupying or
in possession of property or premises which is or can be supplied
with water service.
Shall mean any person or persons, corporation, partnership
or association owning, or claiming to own, or any mortgagee in possession
of any property or premises which is or can be supplied with water
service.
Shall mean a main running through private property or in
a private street to serve more than one home or other buildings or
properties.
Shall mean a pipe or pipes connected to a main and extending
thence to privately owned property or premises for supplying water
service thereto.
Shall mean the Director of Public Works and may also be construed
to include the Supervisor of Public Works, Assistant Director of Public
Works or acting director thereof.
[Ord. No. 727 § 3; Ord. No. 11-1341 § 1; Ord. No. 13-1373]
The Borough will tap the main up to and including a one-inch
tap. All taps larger than one inch shall be made by the applicant
at the applicant's expense. In the case of major subdivisions,
where the water-line is being furnished by the developer, the main
may be tapped by employees of the developer. All taps made by other
than the Borough will be inspected by a representative of the Water
Department.
[Ord. No. 727 § 3; Ord. No. 11-1341]
a.
Installation and Maintenance. The service connection from the main
to the meter must be installed and maintained by the owner; it shall
consist of type K copper tubing from the main to the curb box and
any Uniform Construction Code approved material from the curb box
to the meter and shall be laid 3 1/2 feet to four feet below
the surface, or below the acceptable definition of the frost line
as used in the enforcement of the Borough Building Code.
b.
Minimum Diameter. The minimum inside diameter of a service connection
shall be 3/4 of an inch; nor shall such diameter be less than that
of the tap controlling it.
c.
Surface Connection. The surface connection shall be run as far as
practicable at right angles to the main and in a straight line to
the meter and there shall be no attachment thereon from which water
can be drawn between the meter and the main.
d.
Curb Box. The curb box shall be in sight on a level with the ground
service and free from obstruction at all times.
[Ord. No. 727 § 3]
The owner must repair any damage to a curb box within seven
days of service of notice by the Superintendent and in the event of
his failure to do so, the Borough may make the necessary repairs,
charging the costs thereof to the owner to be collected as other charges,
except where the damage was the direct result of the negligence of
the Borough.
[Ord. No. 727 § 3]
When tests made by the Borough indicate a leak in a service
connection, notice to repair same within seven days will be served
upon the owner. If the notice is not complied with, the Borough may
shut off the tap controlling the service connection, or in the alternative
may make any necessary repairs and charge the costs thereof to the
owner, to be collected as other charges.
[Ord. No. 727 § 3]
All plumbing and other work from the main to the meter is subject
to the inspection and approval of the Borough and all such work shall
be inspected and approved before the pipes are covered and the water
supply furnished.
[Ord. No. 727 § 4]
Applications for water supply must be made on the forms furnished
by the Borough for such purpose. The application must be made by the
owner of the premises or property of his authorized agent and shall
state to whom the bill for water rates and charges shall be rendered
(either owner or agent). The application shall specify the purpose
for which the water is to be used, the type and character of building,
and when used for construction or other special purposes, it must
be so stated on the application. There shall be submitted with the
application any fees necessary to be paid in advance by this chapter.
Persons desiring a one inch tap to be made on a specified day shall
make application therefor at least two days prior to the date. Persons
desiring installation of a tap larger than one inch on a specified
day shall make application therefor at least 10 days prior to the
date. The Department will not, however, guarantee to any applicant
that any tap will be made on a specified date, but will reasonably
attempt to do so.
[Ord. No. 727 § 4]
No application for water supply or services to premises against
which there is an outstanding, undisputed, delinquent account will
be accepted.
[Ord. No. 727 § 4]
All applications for installation of, change in, or replacement of service connections shall be made in writing by the owner or his agent and shall, if a new tap on the main is necessary, be accompanied by the payment of the required tap fee in accordance with Section 25-4, Rates and Charges.
[Ord. No. 727 § 4]
When a tap has been made for a new service connection, curb
stops shall be closed and shall not be opened unless a meter has just
been set and installed or unless the owner or authorized agent applies
for construction water and has paid the appropriate fees.
[Ord. No. 727 § 5; Ord. No. 840; Ord. No.
872; Ord. No. 906; Ord. No. 969; Ord. No. 1048; Ord. No. 01-1096; Ord. No. 06-1224; Ord. No. 09-1288; Ord.
No. 10-1299; Ord. No. 10-1309; Ord. No. 11-1324; amended 4-17-2017 by Ord. No. 17-1446; 4-9-2018 by Ord. No. 18-1459]
a.
The rates for water sold to users in the Borough of Milltown shall,
for users of such water, be as follows:
|
Consumption Charges
| |
|---|---|
|
Quarterly
| |
|
Minimum quarterly amount
|
$61.30 (0 to 7,500 gallons)
|
|
Consumption Charges
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Gallons Used in Quarter
|
Rates Per Thousand Gallons
|
Amount of Gallons Used
|
|
All gallonage
|
$10.98 per 1,000 gallons
|
7,501 to 15,000
|
|
(If consumption exceeds 7,500 gallons)
|
$13.76 per 1,000 gallons
|
15,001 to 22,500 gallons
|
|
$16.54 per 1,000 gallons
|
Over 22,500 gallons
| |
b.
The rates shall take effect with the April 1, 2018, consumption.
c.
Late Payments. If bills rendered are not paid within 28 days of the
billing date, the bills shall draw the same interest from the time
they become due as taxes upon real estate in the Borough and shall
have the same remedies for the collection thereof with interest, cost
and penalties as it had by law for collection of taxes upon real estate.
In the event there is a stopped meter or the Borough is unable to
get a reading, the customer shall receive an estimated bill.
d.
Final Meter Readings. Each and every individual, business or corporation
who closes an existing account with the Utilities Department for water
service shall be charged a final reading fee of $25.
[Ord. No. 727 § 5]
a.
The schedule of charges for curb connections shall be as follows:
|
Tap Fees
|
Price
|
|---|---|
|
5/8 and 3/4
|
$1,500
|
|
1 and 1 1/4
|
1,500
|
|
1 1/2
|
1,500
|
|
2
|
1,500
|
|
3
|
1,500
|
|
4
|
1,500
|
|
5
|
1,500
|
|
6
|
1,500
|
|
8
|
1,500
|
b.
The schedule of charges for meters shall be as follows:
For all meters the charge for the meter shall be computed on
the basis of the cost of the meter plus a 35% surcharge. In addition
an installation and inspection charge of $50 shall also apply and
be included in the cost.
[Ord. No. 727 § 6]
An applicant may install the water main at his own expense in
accordance with plans submitted in triplicate for approval by the
Borough Engineer and under the direction of the Borough Water Superintendent.
The main and appurtenances will be located and be sized to agree with
the master plan for the Water System and provide for the completion
of loops where necessary. The extension will be carried from the existing
water main to at least the center line of the tract of the owner.
Inasmuch as valves and boxes are part of the operations control of
the water system, where extensions are for a minor subdivision or
an individual, the Borough may furnish the valve which will be installed
by the applicant. In the case of short extensions, the Borough may
make the necessary pressure and leakage tests and assume the cost
of the chlorination and bacteriological analysis. In a major development,
all the above functions are to be performed at the cost and expense
of the developer.
[Ord. No. 727 § 7]
a.
The Borough may discontinue the service of water for any of the following
reasons:
1.
Violations by any owner or occupant of any of the provisions of this
chapter or any ordinances of the Borough relative to the use and sale
of water.
2.
For tampering with any service connections pipe or line, meter, curb
stop or any other appliance belonging to the Borough.
3.
For the refusal of reasonable access to property for the purpose
of inspection or for reading meters.
4.
For the failure to maintain in good condition any branch connection
therefrom, any service pipe or service connection.
b.
A service charge of $20 will be made for turning on the water supply
where it has been found necessary to discontinue service of water
by reason of the infraction of any regulation of this chapter or where
water has been turned off at the owner's request.
c.
No voluntary discontinuance of service will be effective unless the
owner or occupant gives at least two days' written notice thereof
to the Borough.
[Ord. No. 727 § 8]
When a house is constructed on a public street within 250 feet
of a public water main in the street, the owner will be required to
extend the main, and only one meter for tap will be permitted.
[Ord. No. 727 § 8]
In apartment buildings, separate meters on a common service
line will be permitted, but the owner will pay the same for the second
and for each succeeding meter.
[Ord. No. 727 § 8]
Water must not be allowed to run to waste to prevent freezing
in the service pipes or their attachments, or for any other purposes,
except when taken through a meter, and must not be used for any other
purposes than those indicated in the application and permit for same.
[Ord. No. 727 § 8]
A meter will be required in every house or building supplied
with water from the mains.
[Ord. No. 727 § 8]
The stop at the curb shall not be used or tampered with other
than by an authorized agent of the Water Division.
[Ord. No. 727 § 8]
No consumer shall supply water to any other person or family
or suffer them to take it except for use on his own premises, and
for the purposes specified in the application, nor shall be, after
water is introduced into any building or upon any premises, make any
changes affecting the water supply without a written permit from the
Superintendent of the Water Division stating the particular changes
to be made and purposes for which the water is to be used.
[Ord. No. 727 § 8]
Owners of houses that become vacant must give notice in writing
of such vacancy at the office of the Water Department so that the
water may be turned off. If the water is left on during the vacancy,
the customary rent will be charged. No deduction in water rent will
be made for an unexpired quarter, nor will any deduction be made if
the owner fails to report the vacancy as above stated.
[Ord. No. 727 § 8]
Any consumer wishing to discontinue the use of water supplied
from the mains must give two days' notice thereof in writing
at the office of the Water Department.
[Ord. No. 727 § 8]
All persons are prohibited from opening or in any way interfering
with any fire plug or hydrant for any purpose whatever except under
the direction of the Superintendent or his agent. The Chiefs of the
various volunteer fire companies, assistant officers and members of
the department are authorized to use the hydrants and plugs for the
purpose of extinguishing fire or cleaning their engines and hoses
or department materials, or making trials of the hose or department,
but all such uses shall be under the direction and supervision of
the respective Chief or his assistants, and in no event shall an inexperienced
or incompetent person be permitted to manipulate or control in any
way any hydrant, plug or other fixture.
[Ord. No. 727 § 8]
If standpipes, sprinkler systems, or other devices used or to
be used solely for the suppression of fires are designed and maintained
as independent and separate systems which are capable of use only
for suppression of fire, no charge shall be made for water used in
such standpipes or other systems. Any owner desiring to install or
maintain any standpipe, sprinkler system or other device for the suppression
of fire shall make application to the Water Department which application
shall show the existing or proposed independent system. If the system
meets all requirements of the Water Department, the application shall
be approved by the Superintendent. Such approved systems shall at
all times be subject to inspection by the Superintendent or his authorized
agents. No person shall make any connection to any such approved independent
system, or suffer or permit the making of any tap or connection whereby
water may be drawn from such system for use other than purposes of
fire suppression and testing of system. No alteration in or extensions
to any approved system shall be made without first notifying the Superintendent.
[Ord. No. 727 § 8]
Street openings for purpose of installing or repairing water
lines must be made in accordance with all applicable Borough ordinances.[1]
[Ord. No. 727 § 8]
No person shall attach, alter or extend any water pipe or make
any alterations in any tap stop or other fixture nor do any work calculated
to increase the facilities for using water, nor turn on or off the
connection to the main or at the curb without first having the consent
of the Superintendent.
[Ord. No. 727 § 8]
No person shall prevent or hinder any Borough employees from
making inspections at any reasonable time of all service connections,
meters, taps and fixtures.
[Ord. No. 727 § 8]
No person, other than employees of the Borough shall break or
remove any seal placed upon any meter by the Borough or its agents
or employees, nor shall any person tamper with, deface or attempt
to alter any meter. The owner shall be responsible for all meter repairs
occasioned by other than ordinary wear, and the cost of repairs becoming
necessary by reason of the negligent or willful conduct of the owner
or any other person except an agent of the Borough shall, if remaining
unpaid for more than 30 days after billing become a lien on the owner's
property and shall be collected as other charges.
[Ord. No. 727 § 8]
No person shall keep or store any explosives, acids or other
substance likely to injure or damage the water supply system within
50 feet of any of the mains or appurtenances of the water supply or
distribution system without first obtaining a permit from the Superintendent.
[Ord. No. 727 § 8]
No person shall tap or connect any water main or insert a stopcock
therein except duly authorized employees of the Borough or as authorized
by the Director of Public Works.
[Ord. No. 727 § 8]
No person, except a Borough employee or other authorized person,
shall open or close any valve in the public main or tamper or interfere
with any valve or valve box cover.
[Ord. No. 727 § 8]
No person shall use a service connection to supply premises
or property other than that particularly described in the application
hereinabove provided.
[Ord. No. 727 § 8]
An owner may request that his meter be removed and tested in
order to determine its accuracy. If tests indicate that the meter
is recording in excess of 10%, on a full flow, the owner shall be
entitled to an adjustment in his last quarterly bill on the basis
of the percentage in excess of 102%, and no charge shall be made for
the test. If the test indicates the meter is recording less than 102%
on a full flow, no adjustment in the owner's bill shall be made,
and the owner shall be charged $20 for making the test. No adjustments
shall be made in any owner's bill because of leaks or for any
other reason except as hereinabove set forth.
[Ord. No. 727 § 8]
When the distance from the curb stop to the house or building
to be serviced is less than 50 feet and the pipe is one inch or less
in diameter, no joints shall be permitted. No sweat joints shall be
permitted between the main and the meter and only flared and I.P.S.
brass joints shall be allowed.
[Ord. No. 727 § 8]
No water service pipes, or any underground water pipes, shall
be run or laid in the same trench with a sewer service or drainage
piping, unless:
a.
The bottom of the water service pipe, at all joints, is at least
12 inches above the top of the adjacent sewer line or drainage piping.
b.
The water service pipe shall be placed on a firm foundation at one
side of the common ditch.
c.
The materials and joints of the building drain and building sewer
shall be installed in such manner and shall possess the necessary
strength and durability to prevent the escape of solids, liquids and
gases therefrom under all known adverse conditions, such as corrosion,
strains due to temperature changes, settlement vibrations and superimposed
loads, and
d.
Building sewers installed in the same trench with the water service
pipe are constructed of durable materials which are corrosive-restraint
and are installed so as to remain watertight and rustproof. Only cast
iron pipe with watertight caulked and leaded joints, or other equivalent
approved by the Superintendent, shall be acceptable for this construction.
[Ord. No. 727 § 8; Ord. No. 872 § 3]
a.
All water meters shall be installed so that they may be read from
the outside of the building. A two-part meter shall be installed in
which the dial system is located on the outside of the building and
is easily accessible for reading excluding commercial buildings.
b.
All new water meters installed in the Borough and all replacements
of existing meters shall be outside reading meters. The Borough shall
also cause the replacement of all existing inside reading meters with
meters of the outside reading type pursuant to a schedule to be determined
by the Department of Public Works. The owner of the premises, wherein
any meter that is so replaced, shall have the option to pay the cost
of such replacement meter in a lump sum or in four equal quarterly
payments.
[Ord. No. 727 § 9]
If for any reason whatever the Superintendent deems it necessary
to conserve or restrict the use of water, he shall so inform the Borough
Council. Upon approval of the Borough Council, the Superintendent
shall then promulgate such restrictions on the use of water as to
them may seem necessary or advisable. Notice of such restrictions
shall be given by publication in the official newspaper of the Borough
of at least once, and by such other method as the Superintendent may
deem necessary.
[Ord. No. 727 § 10]
No owner shall install, use or operate any air conditioning
unit or units which require the use of Borough water in the system
unless the system is so constructed that the water can be circulated.
Any person who hereafter wishes to install, use or maintain an air
conditioning system which requires the use of Borough water in the
system must, prior to the installation or use thereof, file an application
including a diagram of the installation with the Superintendent. If
the application meets all requirements of the Department, the Superintendent
may issue a permit.
[Ord. No. 727 § 11]
Cross connections between the public water supply, and any other
water supply must include an approved double check valve installation
approved by the State Department of Health in accordance with applicable
statutes. No cross connections shall be put in use without the prior
approval of the State Department of Health and, further, shall be
subject to semi-annual inspection by the Plumbing Inspector and the
Health Officer.
[Ord. No. 727 § 12]
All connections to the water system shall be installed in accordance
with the Plumbing Code of the Borough and the applicable local and
State regulations regarding water supply. However, employees of the
Water Division of the Department of Public Works shall be empowered
to make such taps, installations and correction in the water system
as may be necessary to correct operation of the public water system
of the Borough.
